Kindness in abundance

Kinder and wiser. My mantra. I started studying towards my Masters this year - so for now, that ticks the "wise" box (I know wiser does not necessary refer to book knowledge, but it sure is a good foundation!). When raising funds for my marathons I am always struck by people's kindness. This, in turn, reminds me of my mantra and urges me to be a kinder person. Thanks everyone for helping me to help others. I am humbled.

A holiday for a steal

About Ryan

I promised to post more information on Ryan. I am doing this, not to evoke pity, but to remind myself to be thankful for the body that I have been given: Ryan who has just turned 18 last November,suffers from (to name but a few) the following symptoms of this syndrome:
Cystic Fibrosis
Profoundly Deaf (does communicate through picture communication and sign language and also has a cochlear implant).
Abnormalities of the head and facial area resulting in Ryan going through 7 Maxi facial surgery’s over the last 6 years (he still has to have 3 mayor surgeries to his face still as it is growing downwards opposed to growing out so will ultimately block his breathing tract the older he gets).
Full Blown Autism
In addition to the various other symptoms of this syndrome Ryan was diagnosed with Scoliosis which is not part of JBS. His current curvature of the Scoliosis on his spine is 32% however if it goes past 40% with the normal growth pattern Ryan will then have to have his spine fused in order to stop the curvature from further damaging his vital organs namely his lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive organs.

My body - a temple in ruins

And so I run. I have been advised time and time again that running is counterproductive to my weighloss endevours. If that is the case, I would rather be fat. It is my time - when I run, I feel as if anything is possible. I priortise my life and heck, if you dare run with me, I might just sort out your life for you as well. It is a privilege and a blessing. This year I run for Ryan and for the millions of children that don't have shoes to wear to cover their bare feet. It motivates and it humbles me. And so I run...

Perspective changes

So, here I am, a couple of years later but a lifetime older.  A mother of a 3 year old with a loving and supportive husband.  Still, raising a toddler is hard - a healthy toddler.  That made me relook this year's fundraising efforts to again include Ryan.  Perspective is an amazing thing.  Moira, my colleague has, on her own, raised a beautiful young man who suffers from an extremely rare condition.  I am going to be sending more information on Johannsen Blizzard Syndrome, but in the meantime a pic of Ryan at 18 years old.